Fisheries Biologist

The Native Village of Eyak is seeking a Fisheries Biologist to lead a research team in Cordova, AK. This temporary, full-time role involves collecting data on salmon, operating research equipment, and maintaining field site operations at a remote Alaskan camp for up to three months. Candidates must be physically fit, able to work in rugged conditions, and possess skills in boat operation and maintenance. Salary ranges from $26.00 to $32.00 per hour.
Full Job Description – Natural Resources Field Team Lead

This position is within the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and offers a salary range of $26.00 to $32.00 per hour depending on experience (DOE); it is a temporary, full-time role reporting to the Natural Resources Coordinator and classified as non-exempt from overtime.

Responsibilities and Duties:

The successful candidate will lead a research team, ensuring safe and effective group operations while collecting reliable and accurate data in accordance with established scientific protocols. They will be responsible for safely navigating vessels on the Copper River and living and working continuously at a remote Alaskan field camp for up to three months. Responsibilities also include identifying and addressing maintenance needs of the field site—including buildings, boats, and fish traps—to ensure full operational capacity.

The role requires operation of research fishwheels or fish traps for the purpose of capturing and tagging adult salmon, and the candidate must demonstrate the ability to accurately identify adult Pacific salmonids to species level throughout all phases of metamorphosis from ocean-phase to spawning-phase. The team lead will guide the crew through multiple sampling activities such as applying Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags and collecting biometric data from Copper River Chinook salmon, applying esophageal radio tags and collecting biometric data, fat content, and genetic samples from Sockeye salmon, as well as enumerating salmon passage and collecting biometrics at a weir.

The role also includes supporting telemetry tracking and receiver operations, engaging with Tribal Youth education programs, and facilitating site visits for Tribal Elders as needed. Additionally, the candidate will assist with logistical support, including helicopter sling loading, purchasing supplies and gear, assessing field conditions, identifying remote site access points, attending safety briefings, participating in camp mobilization/demobilization, maintaining camp operations, and overseeing remote communications protocols. Other duties may be developed and assigned as necessary.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

The ideal candidate must possess the ability to take direction from off-site supervisors, work well in a team environment, and effectively lead a diverse crew in remote conditions while maintaining safety and morale. They must be capable of cohabiting harmoniously in a tobacco-, drug-, and alcohol-free environment with minimal privacy and limited communication resources. Candidates should be physically fit and prepared to work long hours over rugged terrain in inclement weather. Proficiency in carrying firearms for bear deterrence and demonstrated ability to operate a range of power boats with competence—preferably with swift water boating experience—is required.

The candidate should be adept at safely operating boats single-handedly or while carrying personnel, gear, or equipment, and capable of maintaining and repairing engines, boats, tools, and mechanical/electrical equipment, including outboard motors, generators, computers, and alternative energy systems. Competency with power tools and the ability to perform tasks efficiently and safely are essential.

A strong understanding of the Scientific Method, particularly in aquatic biological research and analysis, is crucial, alongside well-developed research, writing, and verbal communication skills. Experience in data quality assurance and control, scientific report writing, and proposal writing is expected. The candidate should demonstrate computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, GIS, statistical software, internet research, and email. The role requires considerable physical endurance to lift and transport heavy equipment over uneven terrain regularly.

Experience Requirements:

Required: A minimum of two years of experience conducting remote field research, direct sampling, and rigorous scientific data collection is essential. Proficiency in boat operation and experience supervising subordinate technicians—or equivalent extensive field experience that shows a clear progression in skills—is also required.

Preferred: Candidates with at least three months of experience working at remote Alaskan field sites involving the building, operation, and maintenance of sampling gear; tagging and handling fish; collecting biometric data and biological samples; and conducting aquatic invertebrate, plant, plankton, water quality, and hydrological sampling will be preferred. Additional preferred qualifications include experience in wildlife research, including the handling of large fish, mammals, and birds; the use of telemetry equipment; and familiarity with Alaskan fauna. Experience working in remote Alaskan environments and with Alaskan Tribes, along with knowledge of subsistence resources, is advantageous.

Education Requirements:

A Master’s degree (M.S.) in a closely related scientific discipline with direct experience in complex, remote-area research projects is strongly preferred. A Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) may be accepted if accompanied by at least one year of experience in leading and managing remote field crews in scientific data collection.

Performance Standards:

The role requires extensive physical activity in the field, including hiking and navigating difficult terrain. Applicants must have the physical conditioning necessary to meet these demanding requirements and be capable of operating boats and using both hand and power tools with coordination and safety.

Environmental Factors:

The position may involve survival situations in cold, remote locations and requires work in extreme weather conditions—such as heat, cold, and rain—while handling hazards posed by power tools, wildlife traps, and the presence of large predators. Fieldwork may occur in a variety of challenging environments, including technical rivers, marine habitats, rainforests, glaciers, snow-covered areas, frozen rivers and lakes, wetlands, and occasionally in office settings. There is an inherent risk of injury from using equipment and performing physical labor in remote outdoor conditions.

Disclaimer:

This job description does not limit NVE’s authority to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time. By signing this document, the employee acknowledges receipt of the job description and confirms that it has been discussed with their supervisor.